Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to India's first Home Minister Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel at the Statue of Unity and addressed the nation. In his speech, he highlighted the government's commitment to national unity which is evident in their work and initiatives. He also mentioned the success of Aadhaar and its impact on India being recognized by the world.
National Unity Day: A Celebration of India's Unity
National Unity Day, observed annually on October 31, commemorates the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, India's first Home Minister and Deputy Prime Minister. This day serves as a testament to Patel's legacy and the importance of preserving India's unity and integrity.
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and National Integration
Sardar Patel played a pivotal role in India's struggle for independence and the subsequent integration of the princely states into the newly formed Union of India. He is known as the "Iron Man of India" for his unwavering determination and leadership skills.
After independence, Patel embarked on the arduous task of unifying India's diverse regions and religions. He successfully integrated over 550 princely states into the Indian Union through negotiations, diplomacy, and sometimes through force. This extraordinary achievement laid the foundation for a strong and unified India.
National Unity Day Celebrations
On National Unity Day, various events and programs are organized across the country to commemorate Patel's legacy and promote national unity. These events include:
Prime Minister Modi's Address and the Government's Commitment
On National Unity Day 2022, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation from the Statue of Unity. In his speech, he highlighted the government's commitment to national unity through its various initiatives, including:
Top 5 FAQs on National Unity Day
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In a move that has incited criticism from the ruling Mahayuti coalition, Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray has pledged to cancel the controversial Dharavi redevelopment project if his Maha Vikas Aghadi coalition is re-elected in the upcoming Maharashtra Assembly election. Thackeray also promised to reclaim land given to Adani Group and issue new tenders for more inclusive and suitable housing for the residents of Dharavi, a densely populated urban slum in Mumbai. The plan, which has been in the works for over two decades, has faced numerous delays and changes, with a recent bid by Adani Realty created uproar due to its higher initial investment. Uddhav's anti-development stance has sparked criticism from his opponents.
Retired Bombay High Court judge Justice RC Chavan has criticised outgoing Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud for prioritising public perception in his judgments. Speaking at a panel discussion to assess the CJI's tenure and judicial legacy, Justice Chavan stated that judges should not be swayed by extrajudicial concerns and voiced his disappointment in CJI Chandrachud for being preoccupied with how history will judge him. While Senior Advocate Raju Ramachandran commended the CJI for his high standards in judgment writing, he also expressed disappointment in the Ayodhya Ram Temple case decision.
After a two-year stint as the Chief Justice of India, Dr. Justice Chandrachud leaves behind a mixed legacy in the face of daunting challenges. Overcoming obstacles posed by the ruling government's majoritarian ideology, he made notable strides in protecting constitutional values, especially in cases regarding women's rights, adultery, and same-sex relations. However, his tenure has also been marred by failures in mitigating a growing mistrust in the judiciary and addressing the imbalance of power between the executive and independent institutions. With an unparalleled erudition in law and a deep understanding of history and society, Chandrachud's judgments were marked by a unique style, making them a delightful read.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah accused Congress leader Rahul Gandhi of insulting the Constitution by showing a "fake" copy of it. He also claimed that the BJP will never allow Congress to implement reservations for minorities. Shah alleged that Congress was "hell-bent" on snatching reservations from OBCs, tribals, and Dalits and "planned to give it to minorities." He also warned Gandhi that even his fourth-generation cannot bring back Article 370 in Kashmir. Additionally, Shah attacked the JMM-led government in Jharkhand, calling it the "most corrupt government" in the country.
Addressing a meeting after the launch of a seaplane demo flight, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu highlighted the potential of seaplane services to promote economic activities and create employment in the state. He also praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for supporting the initiative and emphasized the role of innovative ideas in tackling poverty and funding welfare activities. Union Civil Aviation Minister K Ram Mohan Naidu, who accompanied the chief minister on the demo flight, stated that seaplane operations will not only change the future of Andhra Pradesh, but also India.
On November 9, Uttarakhand celebrates its Foundation Day as the 27th state of India, which is marked with the rich southern culture and the spiritual significance of Devbhoomi, also known as the Land of the Gods. As the state celebrates its creation, here are some significant aspects to know about Uttarakhand, including its history, climate, festivals and traditional greetings. Recently, there was also a groundbreaking decision to recognise bird watching as an industry in the state, aiming to boost tourism.
In a recent call between incoming US President Trump and Ukrainian leader Zelenskyy, billionaire Elon Musk was also present on the line. Musk, who has been mentioned as a potential member of Trump's administration, was thanked by Zelenskyy for his assistance in providing access to the Starlink satellite internet platform. This raises questions about potential conflicts of interest, especially since SpaceX has lucrative government contracts. The call is being closely watched as Trump signals a shift in the US's involvement with Ukraine, and as Biden's administration has sent significant military and economic aid to the country.
The Kerala High Court recently ruled that separating a one-year-and-four-month-old child from its breastfeeding mother is a violation of the mother's right to breastfeed and the child's right to be breastfed. The court also emphasized the State's responsibility to promote nutrition which implicitly supports breastfeeding practices. The case involved a custody battle between a mother and father, highlighting the court's decision to prioritize the child's best interests and the mother's right to care for her child. The court also criticised the biased decision of the Child Welfare Committee and directed the father to hand over custody of the child to the mother immediately.
In a projection by NBC News, incumbent President Donald Trump has secured Missouri's 10 Electoral College votes in the 2020 election, defeating his opponent Joe Biden. This adds to Missouri's track record of consistently supporting Republican presidential candidates, as Trump also won the state in 2016 with a similar margin. The last time a Democrat won Missouri in a presidential election was in the 1990s with Bill Clinton.
Former Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Jairam Thakur hosted a samosa party with BJP workers, in what many saw as a playful jab at the ongoing controversy surrounding current Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu. The issue emerged after reports of missing samosas at a function attended by Sukhu at the CID headquarters, leading to speculation about an investigation. However, the CID Director General clarified that it was not a formal inquiry but merely an internal discussion. This has resulted in a war of words between the Congress government and the BJP, with the opposition accusing the government of having misplaced priorities.